The author of ACTA FRAGILIA publishes under the name Kliment Vileyiski.
This is a chosen name. It is not connected to the author's civic identity and does not directly reflect their biography. But it reflects the principle by which this project is conducted: the text bears responsibility, not the document. The name here is an instrument for fixing that responsibility, not a key to private life.
Why a Pseudonym
Working with corporate conflicts, court materials, economic mechanisms, and social processes in conditions where pressure on the author can become an instrument of influence on content requires a separation between professional activity and personal safety.
A pseudonym is not anonymity. It is not secrecy for the sake of secrecy. It is the protection of conditions under which text can be written honestly.
We do not believe that an author should risk family, property, or freedom of movement for the right to sign with their real name. Especially when it comes to materials involving specific economic interests, court decisions, and corporate conflicts.
What Changes for the Reader
Nothing. The author's name is the name under which they take responsibility for every text. Verifiability of facts, source citations, methodology, and editorial policy remain unchanged.
A pseudonym does not lower the requirements for accuracy. It raises the requirements for honesty — because the author cannot hide behind "I'm just a journalist" when their name is a conscious choice.
Global Practice
Using a chosen name in journalism is common practice under political pressure, economic risks, or when working with sensitive sources. Bellingcat, The Intercept, various regional editorial offices — authors publish under names they have chosen for professional activity. This does not make their texts less credible. It makes their work possible.
Documentation
The author's real name is known to the editorial board and documented in accordance with internal security policy. This is necessary to uphold the principles of transparency that we apply to others — and cannot fail to apply to ourselves.
ACTA FRAGILIA does not disclose personal information about authors and sources without their consent. Questions regarding authorship can be sent to [email protected].